The Importance of Water Therapies in Well-being and Prevention
Dr. Houyem Souidene, Central Director of Thalassotherapy, Thermal, and Spa Centers at El Mouradi Hotels, emphasizes the essential role of water therapies in well-being and prevention, highlighting the social responsibility of the sector. Combating stress, joint diseases, and supporting women through life's major cycles are top priorities in care protocols.
The Benefits of Thalassotherapy
Dr. Souidene recalls the Greek etymology of thalassotherapy: thalassa (sea) and therapia (care). This discipline is based on the use of marine elements - seawater, algae, mud, climate, and sand - for therapeutic or fitness purposes, ideally under medical supervision. Rich in mineral salts and oligo-elements, seawater offers multiple benefits, particularly thanks to iodine, which supports thyroid function, a gland that influences the heart, weight, and metabolism.
The Difference Between Thalassotherapy and Thermalism
Unlike thalassotherapy, which requires a seaside location, thermalism uses spring water from the mountains. Seawater, overloaded with negative ions, allows for ionic exchange during immersion, rebalancing the body and providing relaxation and well-being. The mechanical effect of hydromassage baths is similar to that of a massage.
The Properties of Thermal Water
Thermal water, rich in bicarbonate, sulfur, zinc, and sulfide, has anti-inflammatory properties, particularly effective for respiratory or dermatological problems such as psoriasis and eczema. Thermal cures also treat digestive, cardiac, and autoimmune pathologies, as well as urinary lithiasis and obesity.
Supporting Women at Every Stage of Life
In the face of omnipresent stress, relaxation cures are gaining popularity. Centers respond with the soothing action of marine or thermal water, the rebalancing effect of ions, relaxing massages, and plantar or palmar reflexology, which acts on reflex zones to harmonize internal organs.
The Role of Thalassotherapy in Women's Health
Thalassotherapy also treats joint and muscular problems, promotes weight loss, and improves varicose veins. These therapies are useful at every stage of a woman's life, from adolescence to menopause. During pregnancy (under medical advice), postpartum, or menopause, care provides relaxation and psychological support. They prevent osteoporosis and muscle wasting and treat joint diseases, particularly through hydrokinetic therapy and algae wraps.
El Mouradi's Commitment to Breast Cancer Awareness
In October, El Mouradi Hotels launched a national awareness campaign against breast cancer in its establishments, from north to south. Targeting its staff and customers, the initiative aimed to inform about the disease, its causes, symptoms, and means of prevention and screening, thus addressing a lack of access to information in certain regions.
Supporting Women Affected by Breast Cancer
Beyond awareness, the chain concretely supported women affected by the disease: 5% of the amount of each cure or care in its thalassotherapy and thermal centers was donated to the Ahnameak association. This solidarity gesture received a very positive response. Customers and staff were eager to learn about prevention and screening gestures. Dr. Souidene found that women were better informed, reassured, and less anxious after the initiative.
The Keys to Effective Prevention
"Prevention is better than cure," recalls Dr. Souidene, who distinguishes three levels of prevention.
- Primary prevention targets people in good health and is based on healthy lifestyle rules: avoiding stress, sleeping sufficiently and early to prevent cardiovascular risks and certain cancers, practicing adapted sports, maintaining an ideal weight (BMI between 18.5 and 24.9), and avoiding tobacco (including passive smoking) and alcohol.
- Diet: banishing restrictive diets, processed products, excess sugar and salt, and prioritizing healthy, varied, organic, and seasonal food, inspired by the Mediterranean diet.
- Secondary prevention is based on screening. For breast cancer, this involves monthly self-palpation, three to four days after menstruation.
- From the age of 40, a consultation every two years with a family doctor or gynecologist is recommended, with the possibility of a mammography, particularly in cases of family history. Dr. Souidene warns against the fear of diagnosis: the cure rate for breast cancer exceeds 95% when treatment begins early.
In conclusion, Dr. Souidene urges everyone to take care of their health, follow these lifestyle hygiene tips, and regularly visit thalassotherapy and thermal centers, as access to seawater in a controlled environment is not limited to the summer season.
